Ruland

Carefully Made Shaft Collars and Couplings

BeLLOWS couplings
Introduction
Ruland Manufacturing Co., Inc. has been supplying carefully
made products since 1937. We have manufactured everything
from bicycle pumps to high pressure valves, including the valve
that pressurized the spacesuit of the first American to walk in
space. In recent years, all of our expertise has been devoted to
making the best shaft collars and couplings available. Bellows
couplings are just one design in the full line of motion control
couplings manufactured by Ruland (see back cover).
Bellows couplings are an assembly of two aluminum hubs and
a uniform, thin walled stainless steel bellows. The use of
aluminum hubs with a bellows results in a coupling with very
low inertia, a feature that is very important in today’s highly
responsive systems. The characteristics of bellows make them
an ideal method for transmitting torque in motion control
applications. The bellows allow the coupling to bend easily
under loads caused by the three basic types of misalignment
between shafts (angular, parallel, axial motion). Because they
have uniform, thin walls, the bellows provide low bearing loads
that remain constant at all points of rotation, without the
damaging cyclical high and low loading points found in some
other types of couplings. All of this is accomplished while
remaining rigid under torsional loads. Torsional rigidity is a key
factor in determining the accuracy of the coupling. The stiffer
the coupling, the more accurately motion is translated from the
motor to the driven component. Among servo couplings,
bellows type couplings are one of the stiffest available, making
them ideal in high performance applications that require a high
degree of accuracy and repeatability.

WARRANTY / DISCLAIMER OF UNSTATED WARRANTIES / LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

Warranty. Ruland warranties that the products sold hereunder meet Ruland’s size and materials specifications as
set forth in this catalog. Products not meeting Ruland’s size and material specifications will, at Ruland’s option,
be replaced or the purchase price refunded.
Disclaimer of unstated warranties. THE WARRANTY PRINTED ABOVE IS THE ONLY WARRANTY APPLICABLE TO
THESE PRODUCTS. ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE
IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED. It is
the responsibility of the user to determine the suitability of Ruland products for a specific application. No person,
including employees of Ruland or agents in the company’s channels of distribution is authorized to represent on
Ruland’s behalf, the suitability of Ruland products for a specific purpose.
Limitation of Liability. IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT SELLER’S LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED THE
AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE. SELLER SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES. THE PRICE STATED FOR THE PRODUCT IS A CONSIDERATION IN LIMITING RULAND’S LIABILITY.

2
bc STAINLESS STEEL BELLOWS cOUPLING
BS Inch DIMENSION SERIES

part number Specifications

Outer hub Static Torsional Angular Parallel Axial
clamp Set Screw Diam. Length Clamp Set width Torque Stiffness Misalignment Misalignment Motion
style style bore 1 (in) bore 2 (in) Od (in) L (in) Screw Screw l1 (in) (lb-in) (lb-in/Deg) (Deg) (in) (in)
  2 (.125)   2 (.125)
 
BC10 BS10   3 (.188)   3 (.188)   .590 1 M2 M3 .340 22   72 1.50 .004 .008
  4 (.250)   4 (.250)
  3 (.188)   3 (.188)
BC12 BS12   4 (.250)   4 (.250)   .750 13⁄16 M2.5 M3 .410 40   120 1.50 .004 .010
  5 (.313)   5 (.313)
  4 (.250)   4 (.250)
  5 (.313)   5 (.313)
BC16 BS16 1.000 15⁄16 M3 M4 .467 60   244 1.50 .004 .012
  6 (.375)   6 (.375)
  8 (.500)   8 (.500)
  5 (.313)   5 (.313)
  6 (.375)   6 (.375)
BC21 BS21 1.313 19⁄16 M3 M4 .590 120   400 1.50 .006 .016
  8 (.500)   8 (.500)
10 (.625) 10 (.625)
  6 (.375)   6 (.375)
  8 (.500)   8 (.500)
BC26 BS26 1.625 2 M4 M5 .710 250   550 2.00 .010 .020
10 (.625) 10 (.625)
12 (.750) 12 (.750)
  8 (.500)   8 (.500)
10 (.625) 10 (.625)
 
BC32 BS32 12 (.750) 12 (.750) 2.000 25⁄16 M5 M6 .810 400 950 2.00 .010 .020
14 (.875) 14 (.875)
16 (1.000) 16 (1.000)

Ordering Information
Choose any bore b1 and any bore b2 available
in a body size. Part numbers are in the following
format with numbers representing inches:
3/4" OD 3/16" Bore

B C 12–4–3–A
Clamp Style 1/4" Bore Aluminum Hubs

Note 1 Static torque ratings are at maximum misalignment. To obtain dynamic rating, static ratings should be divided by
2 for non-reversing applications and by 4 for reversing applications.
Note 2 Hardware is alloy steel with black oxide finish. Parts BS10, BS12, MBS15 and MBS19 have one set screw on
each end. BS16, BS21, BS26, BS32, MBS25, MBS33, MBS41 and MBS51 have two set screws 90° apart.
Note 3 Performance ratings are for guidance only. The user must determine suitability for a particular application.
Note 4 Couplings supplied with aluminum hubs. Stainless steel hubs available upon request.

For engineering information, see page 5. For warranty information, see page 2.

3 www.ruland.com • Phone (508) 485-1000 • Fax (508) 485-9000 • sales@ruland.com

STAINLESS STEEL BELLOWS COUPLING mBC
METRIC DIMENSION SERIES mBS

part number Specifications

Outer hub Static Torsional Angular Parallel Axial
clamp Set Screw bore bore Diam. Length Clamp Set width Torque Stiffness Misalignment Misalignment Motion
style style 1 (mm) 2 (mm) Od (mm) L (mm) Screw Screw l1 (mm) (Nm) (Nm/Deg) (Deg) (mm) (mm)
 3  3
 4  4
MBC15 MBS15 15 25 M2 M3 8.65 2.5    8 1.50 0.10 0.20
 5  5
 6  6
 4  4
MBC19 MBS19  5  5 19 30 M2.5 M3 10.40 4.5   14 1.50 0.10 0.25
 6  6
 8  8
 6  6
 8  8
MBC25 MBS25 25 33 M3 M4 11.85 6.8   27 1.50 0.10 0.30
10 10
12 12
 8  8
10 10
12 12
MBC33 MBS33 33 40 M3 M4 15.00 13.6   45 1.50 0.15 0.40
14 14
15 15
16 16
10 10
12 12
MBC41 MBS41 14 14 41 51 M4 M5 18.05 28.0  63 2.00 0.25 0.50
15 15
16 16
20 20
12 12
14 14
MBC51 MBS51 15 15 51 59 M5 M6 20.55 45.2 108 2.00 0.25 0.50
16 16
20 20
25 25

Ordering Information
Choose any bore b1 and any bore b2 available
in a body size. Part numbers are in the following
format with numbers representing metrics:
19mm OD 5 mm Bore

MBC 19–6–5–A
Clamp Style 6mm Bore Aluminum Hubs

Note 1 Static torque ratings are at maximum misalignment. To obtain dynamic rating, static ratings should be divided by
2 for non-reversing applications and by 4 for reversing applications.
Note 2 Hardware is alloy steel with black oxide finish. Parts BS10, BS12, MBS15 and MBS19 have one set screw on
each end. BS16, BS21, BS26, BS32, MBS25, MBS33, MBS41 and MBS51 have two set screws 90° apart.
Note 3 Performance ratings are for guidance only. The user must determine suitability for a particular application.
Note 4 Couplings supplied with aluminum hubs. Stainless steel hubs available upon request.

For engineering information, see page 5. For warranty information, see page 2.

4 www.ruland.com • Phone (508) 485-1000 • Fax (508) 485-9000 • sales@ruland.com

Technical Information
Materials Hardware Torque Charts
Bellows: AISI 321 Stainless Steel Torque Ratings—Clamp Screw
Hubs: 2024 T351 or 7075 T651 Extruded and Drawn Metric Seating Torque (Nm)
Aluminum Bar Clamp Screw alloy stainless steel

Surface Finish
Hubs: Type II Sulfuric Anodized
Hardware
Socket Head Cap Screws: Alloy steel, heat treated.
Meet or exceed ASA specification B18.3. Metric
hardware meets or exceeds ASA specifications
B18.3.1M and ASTM A574M property class 12.9
M2 0.60 0.36
M2.5 1.21 0.73
M3 2.10 1.10
M4 4.60 2.50
M5 9.50 5.40
M6 16.00 9.60
Torque Ratings—Set Screw
Metric Seating Torque (Nm)
Set Screw alloy stainless steel

Forged Socket Set Screws: Alloy steel, heat treated,
cup point. Meet or exceed ASA specification B18.3
Temperature Range
–40° F to 200° F
M2.5 0.57 0.44
M3 0.92 0.73
M4 2.20 1.76
M5 4.00 3.20
M6 7.20 5.76

Maximum Speed Installation Instructions

10,000 rpm
Angular Misalignment
Parallel Misalignment Complex Misalignment
1. Assure that the misalignment between shafts is within
the coupling’s ratings.
2. Align both hubs of the coupling on the shafts that are
to be joined.
3. Fully tighten the screw(s) on one hub to their
recommended seating torque (see charts above).
4. Before tightening the screw(s) on the second hub,
Axial Motion rotate the coupling by hand to allow it to reach its
free length.
5. Tighten the hub on the second shaft such that the
misalignment angle remains centered along the
length of the coupling and the coupling remains
axially relaxed.

High

Med
Beam
Oldham
Curved Jaw
Bellows
Disc
Low

Torsional Rigidity Torsional Strength Inertia Bearing Loads

5 www.ruland.com • Phone (508) 485-1000 • Fax (508) 485-9000 • sales@ruland.com

Available from RULAND
We are committed to have the largest variety of sizes and styles in the industry. In addition
to the items listed below, we can manufacture an extensive variety of special designs.
Please contact us with your custom needs.

OLDHAM Bellows BEAM RIGID

Coupling Coupling COUPLING COUPLING
Clamp and Clamp and Clamp and One and
Set Screw Set Screw Set Screw Two Piece
Styles Styles Styles Styles

CLAMPING Shaft DISC Jaw

DEVICE Collar COUPLING Coupling
Single and One and Clamp and Clamp and
Dual Taper Two Piece Set Screw Set Screw
Styles Styles Styles Styles

RULAND Manufacturing Co., Inc.

6 Hayes Memorial Drive • Marlborough, MA 01752
Phone (508) 485-1000 • Fax (508) 485-9000
www.ruland.com • sales@ruland.com Est. 1937

B-122906